Structural and Thermal Characterization of Geothermal Resources Using Aeromagnetic, Gravity, and Remote Sensing Data for Renewable Energy Exploration in Northeastern Chad Basin, Nigeria

This study integrates aeromagnetic, gravity, and remote sensing datasets to assess the geothermal potential of the northeastern Chad Basin, Nigeria. The Total and residual magnetic intensity maps reveal magnetic anomalies ranging from 32918 to 33184.5 nT, and -58.7 to147.8nT linked to shallow intrusions and hydrothermally altered zones. Vertical derivative and analytic signal processing delineate structurally complex zones favorable for geothermal activity, while Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) and Curie Point Depth (CPD) analysis estimate geothermal gradients and heat flow, identifying high-potential blocks such as Block 2 and Block 6 with heat flows exceeding 340 mW/m² and Curie depths ranging from 8.49 to 19.87 km. Gravity data further support these findings by highlighting low-density anomalies and structural breaks that may enhance geothermal fluid movement, with Bouguer anomaly values ranging between -47.2 and -37.1 mGal. Remote sensing analysis identifies dense lineament trends (NE–SW and NW–SE), hydrothermal alterations, and high land surface temperatures, with LST values between 289.85 and 339.7 K, correlating with underlying geophysical anomalies. The integration of these methods confirms spatial consistency in geothermal indicators across geologically and structurally favorable zones, notably around Mafa (13°22′E, 12°08′N), Kesangala (13°25′E, 12°15′N), Monguno (13°37′E, 12°40′N), and Konduga (13°25′E, 11°57′N). These results underscore the basin’s elevated geothermal potential and provide a basis for targeted exploration and development